1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller & slimmer, A52 5G is wider & slightly thicker; May affect one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Both feel similar in hand, negligible difference |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV provides much sharper text, images, and videos; noticeable difference in visual clarity. |
| PPI | 407 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV's higher pixel density results in crisper details and less pixelation; better for detailed content consumption. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technology, excellent colors and contrast on both, OLED in Xperia 1 IV is likely higher quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; identical user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, no difference here. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 1 IV has significantly faster processing, app loading, and multitasking capabilities; noticeable difference in responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV is much more powerful; better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has a superior GPU, enhancing gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV likely offers longer battery life; may result in a full day’s use even with heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV charges slightly faster, reducing charging time. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV has bypass charging, useful when gaming to minimize battery degradation. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm | A52 5G has higher resolution; Xperia 1 IV's larger pixels offer better low light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µm | 12MP, f/2.0 | A52 5G has higher resolution; Xperia 1 IV’s wider aperture is better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1.00µm | Xperia 1 IV has optical zoom capabilities, allowing for better zoomed images compared to digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Both offer similar specs; similar performance expected. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | Yes | Xperia 1 IV has depth-sensing for better portrait mode; faster and more accurate autofocus. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 5G has a macro lens for close-up shots, a feature absent from the Xperia. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV captures significantly higher resolution videos at higher frame rates, leading to smoother, better quality video. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Xperia 1 IV captures much more detailed slow motion footage. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | Main: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 IV has a rated camera performance with an impressive main photo score. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, 4K, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, 4K, RAW, Optical Zoom | Xperia 1 IV offers additional features for pro-level photography, like RAW capture, continuous autofocus and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 1 IV comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. A52 5G will receive more major OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia 1 IV supports faster Wi-Fi speeds; better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 1 IV offers more advanced Bluetooth connectivity options and a more stable connection |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo (L1+L5, E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV offers more accurate positioning; useful for location-based apps. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 1 IV offers flexibility with eSIM support; A52 5G only has dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Xperia 1 IV has more base storage, offering space for more content. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Xperia 1 IV has more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which is a limitation for users with large media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV has higher audio quality features; better sound immersion experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV offers a more convenient and reliable fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV is more resistant to scratches and accidental drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Xperia 1 IV features a more comprehensive sensor suite, which may be useful for advanced applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Front and Main Camera: The A52 5G boasts higher resolution sensors for both front and main cameras, potentially leading to more detailed images in good lighting conditions.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: The A52 5G includes dedicated macro and depth sensors, allowing for more versatile photography (close-up shots and detailed portrait mode images).
- More Major OS Updates: The A52 5G will receive more major Android OS updates.
- Cost: The A52 5G is significantly cheaper.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly higher processing power, making it better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Higher Resolution & Pixel Density Display: The Xperia 1 IV’s display is sharper and clearer with a higher resolution and PPI.
- Better Camera Features: The Xperia 1 IV has better low-light performance due to larger pixels on the main sensor and a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom, along with RAW capture.
- Superior Video Recording: The Xperia 1 IV captures smoother, more professional quality footage with 4K 120 fps and superior stabilization.
- More Advanced Connectivity: The Xperia 1 IV offers faster Wi-Fi 6, a more recent version of Bluetooth, and dual SIM with eSIM support and more precise GPS.
- Greater RAM & Storage: The Xperia 1 IV has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking, and more storage for your apps and media.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers offer superior sound immersion.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection against scratches and accidental damage.
- Bypass Charging: useful for gamers
Significant Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility: The A52 5G’s macro and dedicated depth sensors provide greater versatility in specific use cases, whereas the Xperia 1 IV offers superior image quality in a more limited set of features.
- Price: The Xperia 1 IV is a significantly more expensive device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable phone at a more affordable price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who value camera versatility and good image quality in most situations, with an emphasis on ease of use.
- General Smartphone Users: Individuals who want a good all-around device for daily tasks, social media, and media consumption without breaking the bank.
- Users Who Value Software Support: Those who desire more major software upgrades.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, web browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Capturing varied shots with macro and portrait modes, suited for content creators on a budget.
- Good for users who prefer a device with familiar, user-friendly software.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high image quality, low-light performance, and RAW capture capabilities with advanced video functionality.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who appreciate a high-resolution display for detailed viewing and excellent audio quality.
- Users Who value advanced features Those who want a more feature-rich device with more advanced audio, video, and connectivity options.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming, heavy multitasking, and running resource-intensive applications.
- Professional-level photography and videography, suited for content creation.
- Immersive multimedia consumption, enjoying high-quality movies and music.
- Usage of advanced sensors and better location services.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The A52 5G is significantly cheaper than the Xperia 1 IV.
- How important is high-end performance? The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly better processing power.
- What kind of photography do you prioritize? Do you need macro and dedicated depth sensors or do you prioritize higher quality in the main camera and telephoto capabilities with professional features like RAW capture?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, general use: If you are on a budget, and use your phone for everyday tasks, the A52 5G will serve you well.
- Scenario 2: Demanding user with a higher budget: If you want top-tier performance, a higher quality display, and excellent cameras, the Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Photo enthusiast on a budget: If you want camera versatility and are on a budget the A52 5G is a better choice, but if you want higher photo and video quality, with more advanced controls, the Xperia 1 IV is the way to go, but at a much higher price point.
My Choice
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV, despite its higher cost. My primary usage includes a lot of multitasking, gaming and video recording. The superior processing power, higher resolution display, more advanced camera features (especially the telephoto lens and RAW capture), and the enhanced video capabilities make it a much more compelling option for my use case. While the A52 5G offers good value for money and the benefit of a dedicated macro and depth sensor, the performance gap is significant enough to justify the additional investment. The Xperia 1 IV’s advanced connectivity and improved battery are also beneficial for my use patterns, and I am willing to sacrifice the macro and depth sensors and some software support in favor of the raw performance and better imaging and video capabilities.
